Pakistan says eyeing transit hub role to connect South, Central Asian economies
Pakistan has been working to strengthen its position as a key trade and transit hub, connecting landlocked Central Asian states to the global market through its strategic location. Last year saw a surge in visits, investment discussions and economic activity between Pakistan and Central Asian nations as well as Gulf countries.
Khan was speaking at the 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' being held from May 13-18 in the country's Kazan region. This forum is the main platform for economic cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries as per its website.
'Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan says Pakistan aims to emerge as a key transit hub, bridging the economies of South Asia and Central Asia,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Khan noted the Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan has already started shipment and cargo services. He added that Islamabad intends to facilitate landlocked Central Asia's access to warm waters.
Khan spoke about Pakistan's strategic plans to connect its Karachi, Quetta and Gwadar cities with Central Asia and Europe through road networks.
'Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development,' the report said.
Pakistan's recent push to engage Central Asian countries and the Middle East takes place as Islamabad seeks to escape a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has drained its country of financial resources and weakened its balance of payment position and currency.
Islamabad has sought to attract international investment in key economic sectors since it narrowly avoided a sovereign default in 2023 before a last-gasp International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout helped it avoid that.
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